Trends Audio NEW Headphone Tube AMP: UPDATE W/ Photos

Sponsor: ALO Audio

Joined:
Jan 3, 2006

Posts:
1,956

Likes: 536

Jump to Post #20 in this thread for a update and photos

Hey Guys,

Heads up: I am getting a small shipment of the new PA-10 tube headphone amp from my friends at Trends Audio. This is a really cool little Tube headphone amp. You can tube roll with the PA-10 as it uses 6DJ8/6922 series and 12AU7 tubes which come in so many brands. There is a intro offer (pre order only) of $199 after that they go up to $225. I should have them in mid January.

500+ Head-Fier

Joined:
Nov 29, 2008

Posts:
920

Likes: 54

Very interesting. Thanks much Ken. I know you mentioned email, but was wondering if you have had a chance to listen to this unit at all. I have a LB Pro, and am also considering a Little Dot. Understanding that the choice of tubes can have a tremendous impact in the same chassis, any thoughts on how these units in roughly the same price range compare? Thanks, and cheers!

Sponsor: ALO Audio

Joined:
Jan 3, 2006

Posts:
1,956

Likes: 536

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pale Rider /img/forum/go_quote.gif Very interesting. Thanks much Ken. I know you mentioned email, but was wondering if you have had a chance to listen to this unit at all. I have a LB Pro, and am also considering a Little Dot. Understanding that the choice of tubes can have a tremendous impact in the same chassis, any thoughts on how these units in roughly the same price range compare? Thanks, and cheers!

Pale Rider,

No, this guy is very new and I was not privileged to a pre-release version. I cant want to get one for myself as well.

500+ Head-Fier

Joined:
Nov 29, 2008

Posts:
920

Likes: 54

Quote:

Originally Posted by KB /img/forum/go_quote.gif I hope so, but will not know until I get mine and investigate. I am getting some better tubes to offer with them now though, also providing a better power cable.

Ken

Is that something you are thinking of doing for all units you sell, or is that still a test or experiment? Thanks, and Happy Holidays!

500+ Head-Fier

Joined:
Nov 29, 2008

Posts:
920

Likes: 54

Ken:
Now that I have made the decision to get an outboard DAC, the PA-10 is looking even more attractive. In some ways, it appears to be a direct categorical competitor to the Head-Direct EF-1. Any thoughts on how the two compare? I believe the EF-1 uses opamps in its output stages, while the PA-10 uses MOSFETs, but not sure in this price range how critical that is.

Sponsor: ALO Audio

Joined:
Jan 3, 2006

Posts:
1,956

Likes: 536

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pale Rider /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ken:
Now that I have made the decision to get an outboard DAC, the PA-10 is looking even more attractive. In some ways, it appears to be a direct categorical competitor to the Head-Direct EF-1. Any thoughts on how the two compare? I believe the EF-1 uses opamps in its output stages, while the PA-10 uses MOSFETs, but not sure in this price range how critical that is.

Hi Pale Rider,

Hard to say unless you have both to really A/B, the PA-10 is going to be a little cheaper though. Its good to see these 2 little tube headphone amps available though. I already have some amperex bugle boy tubes lined up for these as a option. I am sure I will be working on some more tweaks once I get one in to investigate.